Where to head for dinner in Manchester

The Edinburgh Castle has been holding it down in Ancoats since 1811, making it a real gem in the neighborhood. Sure, the food might be a tad fancier now than it was a century ago (if they even served food back then), but this place still leaves a massive impression. The menu’s ever-changing, but keep your eyes peeled for goodies like Potato Dumplings, Strawberry Fields Sweetcorn and Spenwood, and the downright gorgeous Shetland Mussels when they’re in season.

Don’t miss out on the Colchester Oysters with Rhubarb Mignonette – they’re a must-try! Chef Shaun Moffat’s even been nominated for Chef of the Year at the Manchester Food and Drink Festival 2023, and rightly so. Whether you’re up for a lively celebration or a chilled-out dinner, Edinburgh Castle in Manchester is your go-to for some seriously gorgeous food.

Erst, a natural wine bar and small-plates paradise, sits smack dab in the heart of Ancoats. If you’re after food made from scratch with top-notch fresh ingredients, Erst is your dinner date. Minimalism’s the name of the game here – from the menu design to the interior vibes. The dishes might look simple, but they’re bursting with color, invention, and taste. Head Chef Patrick Withington, a former plumber turned culinary whiz, nails it with dishes like lamb capraccio, plaice with clams and sherry, venison haunch with radicchio agro dolce, spatchcock partridge, and even chocolate sorbet.

The menu’s a bit of a mystery, changing regularly, but that just adds to the excitement. And the best part? Despite the culinary magic, it won’t break the bank. Chef Withington and Erst even scored nominations at the Manchester Food and Drink Festival 2023 – no surprises there!

The Stretford Canteen is the life of the party at Stretford Mall, dishing out fantastic brunches, dinners, and a bar scene worth checking out. Bringing a French-inspired bistro vibe to the neighborhood, it’s all about fuss-free fine dining with a family-friendly feel. And they deserve all the praise they get! The tomato farcie with ragu, Béchamel, and Comte cheese is an absolute winner.

If you’re into non-meat and cheese options, the oyster mushrooms with Vermouth, tarragon, and potato pave are a solid choice. But, if you want a dish to remember, go for the pork chop with kale, mustard, and cider – too scrumptious to pass up. The Stretford Canteen combines fine dining, homemade delights, and a family vibe in a neighborhood that deserves the spotlight.

Trof is the real deal in the Northern Quarter, dishing out hearty British grub with a modern twist. Their fish and chips with curry sauce is a winner – that curry sauce hits all the right spots. And if you’re feeling fancy, try the potato dauphinoise pie, a French take on a pie with Emmental cheese, red onion chutney, creamed leeks, and spinach.

But it’s not all about big plates – Trof nails it with fantastic fried chicken and onion bhajis on the small plates front. Housed in a historic building with four floors of tasty delights, Trof is your go-to for a British dinner in an incredible setting.

Right across from Albert Square in the heart of Manchester, Maray crafts wonderful fresh food perfect for a warm and cozy dinner. Specializing in Middle Eastern cuisine with a dash of influence from Le Marais in Paris, Maray’s all about picking a couple of small plates or going all-out with a group.

The mezze section’s a winner, offering pita bread, hummus, whipped goat’s cheese, and labneh. From the disco cauliflower to the Fattoush salad and baked halloumi, the veg options are a treat. And don’t sleep on the seafood – the sea bass with lentils, coconut, fennel, and peas is a favorite. Make sure to grab some fries – they’re the perfect match for the hummus and zhag. Maray crafts splendid, fresh, and beautiful dishes that’ll make your dinner cozy and memorable.